Celtic fans have seen some extraordinary performances from the team this season, and one player who has truly stepped up in recent weeks is Daizen Maeda. Following the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi to Ligue 1 club Rennes for £10 million in January, many wondered how Celtic’s attack would get on without their talisman.
However, Maeda has more than answered the call, scoring 10 goals in just 8 games since, including a brace in Tuesday night’s 5-1 victory over Aberdeen at Celtic Park. Former Celtic striker John Hartson has been quick to praise the Japanese international for his performances in a central role.
Maeda’s Transition to Centre-Forward
Maeda’s transition from a winger to the central striker has been a revelation. While he’s always been known for his energy, pace, and work ethic, the last month has seen him flourish in a more prominent attacking position, where he’s shown the clinical finishing ability that many knew he possessed but hadn’t yet fully showcased at Celtic. Hartson, speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, pointed out how Maeda’s adaptation to playing as the central striker has been a game-changer for Celtic in recent games.
“It’s easier now to say that,” Hartson remarked, reflecting on Maeda’s transition. “We weren’t quite away before we sold Kyogo. There were a few questions asked, but the simple fact is Maeda has been terrific in his absence since he’s been sold to Rennes.”
From Wing to Centre-Forward
One of the key takeaways from Hartson’s comments was the recognition that Maeda’s national team experience, where he plays as a centre-forward for Japan, has undoubtedly played a role in his recent success. Celtic fans had previously seen him deployed in various attacking positions, often on the left-wing, with Kyogo as the central striker. However, in the wake of Kyogo’s departure, Maeda has seized the opportunity to lead the line for the Hoops, and Hartson believes that this might just be the position where the Japanese forward truly excels.
“Credit to Maeda, he plays centre-forward for his national team Japan,” Hartson continued. “We’ve seen him play there several times while Kyogo was at the club, but now he seems to have shown that through the middle is probably his best position. And he’s really stood up.”
Kyogo’s Departure and Maeda’s Emergence
The sale of Kyogo to Rennes for £10 million was a significant moment for Celtic, and many fans had mixed feelings about losing such an influential figure. Kyogo had been a constant threat in front of goal, scoring goals at every level for Celtic, including in league matches, Champions League games, and cup finals. His contributions had been vital in securing trophies and winning games for the Hoops over the last 3 and half years. Hartson himself admitted that, at first, he had doubts about whether it was the right decision to sell Kyogo.
“I was one of those thinking, ‘Do we really need to sell Kyogo for £10 million?’. I thought he was a world-class centre-forward,” Hartson said. “But now it looks like Maeda has stepped up.”
Maeda’s Impact and Goal Scoring Prowess
Since Kyogo’s exit, Maeda has truly taken on the responsibility of being the main striker for Celtic. With 25 goals to his name this season, he has proven that he is more than capable of leading the attack. His work rate, running power, and relentless pressing are well known, but what has impressed Hartson the most is Maeda’s consistent goal-scoring ability.
“It’s all about the goals now,” Hartson observed. “Yes, we know he works hard, he’s got incredible energy levels. But the credit comes from his finishing and his goal prowess. The way he’s now banging in hat-tricks, he’s putting himself in positions to score goals, he’s making goals, he’s scoring goals, and that’s the difference for me.”
The Evolution of Maeda
Previously, Maeda’s reputation was largely built on his tireless running and defensive pressing. He had a reputation as a workhorse who could chase full-backs down and press from the front. While these qualities remain key to his game, Maeda has now added a clinical edge to his play. His performances in front of goal have been nothing short of a revelation, and he’s now showing the finishing ability that makes him a complete forward.
“Everyone talks about his running power and his closing down, how hard he works as he chases full-backs, he goes all the way back to his own box and then he’s sprinting forward to help Celtic out when they counter,” Hartson said. “But I think, yes, we know he works hard, he’s got incredible energy levels. But the credit comes from his finishing and his goal prowess.”
Final Thoughts
As Maeda continues to impress in a central role for Celtic, it’s clear that he’s stepped up in Kyogo’s absence. John Hartson’s praise of the Japanese striker highlights the significant progress Maeda has made in a short space of time.
With 10 goals in 8 games and a growing influence on the pitch, Maeda’s transition from a winger to a centre forward has been one of the success stories of the season. Celtic fans will no doubt be excited to see what he can achieve in the coming months as he continues to lead the line with goals, energy, and positivity.
